The Ski Travel Edit: Après Ski Outfits That Travel Well

Après-ski style has a reputation problem.

Somehow, it’s become synonymous with outfits that look great once, standing still, drink in hand, but are notoriously known to take up a ton of space while traveling. Too bulky. Large jackets. Chunky sweaters. You know the drill.

Après ski outfits that travel well are your secret travel hack to pack efficiently without sacrificing the après ski look you are going for.

Après ski is one of the most photographed, remembered, and styled moments of a ski trip, so let’s also make it practical!

This is where The Ski Travel Edit comes in.

This series is about curating ski travel essentials that earn their place in your suitcase: pieces that look chic après-ski, but also survive those long-haul flights, tight luggage constraints (carry on for 50lb max), unpredictable winter weather (hello, snow!), and real movement (you’re skiing!).

Also, hi there! My name is Sydney and welcome to my blog, The Après Society! I cover a variety of travel and skiing related topics, as these are my passions in life, and I am so excited and fulfilled to be writing about them. I hope this blog makes your life just a little bit better either with travel hacks, outfit inspiration, or just pure entertainment.

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This edition focuses on après-ski outfits that travel well, meaning:

• They pack easily
• They layer intelligently
• They don’t wrinkle, pill, or lose shape
• They transition seamlessly from slopes to dinner
• They still feel elevated and intentional

If you’ve ever overpacked “just in case” outfits and worn half of them, this edit is for you! I know I have been there MANY times. We are creating an après ski capsule wardrobe for this trip!

What Makes an Après-Ski Outfit “Travel-Worthy”?

Before we talk specific pieces, it’s important to define what travel well actually means, especially for ski trips, which come with unique constraints.

A good après-ski outfit should check at least three of these boxes:

1. Packability for Travel

Ski luggage fills up fast. Helmets, boots, base layers, outerwear, snow pants and jackets, so your après-ski wardrobe needs to be compact, foldable, and forgiving.

2. Versatility

The best après-ski pieces can be styled:

• With snow boots and cute leather or platform boots
• Over thermals or alone
• For a casual lunch or a cozy dinner

If it only works in one very specific scenario, it’s not pulling its weight.

3. Comfort (Real Comfort)

Après-ski usually follows:

• A full ski day
• Cold temperatures
• Altitude
• Possibly travel fatigue

If an outfit looks great but feels restrictive, itchy, or impractical, I guarantee you’ll reach for something else (speaking from experience!).

4. Elevated Ease

This is the secret ingredient…

Travel-worthy après-ski style feels effortless, polished, and intentional, not overdone or costume-y. Think European ski town, not 80s in Aspen theme party.

The Core Après-Ski Capsule (That Actually Travels Well)

Instead of thinking in outfits, think in categories. These are the foundational pieces that mix and match beautifully and pack smarter than trend-driven items.

1. The Elevated Knit (Your Après-Ski MVP)

A great knit is the backbone of après-ski style, but not all sweaters are created equal!!

What to look for:

• Merino wool, cashmere blends, or fine-gauge knits. I love this merino wool quarter zip from Quince!
• Relaxed but intentional silhouettes
• Neutral tones that pair easily (cream, taupe, charcoal, chocolate)

My go to staple for après ski is a really good quality fitted black turtleneck sweater. The outfit combinations I have made with this piece have been endless and they always look chic.

What to avoid:

• Ultra-chunky cable knits (hard to pack)
• Delicate fabrics that pill instantly
• Cropped styles that don’t layer well

Why it travels well:

A high-quality knit can:

• Transition from lodge to dinner seamlessly
• Be worn on the plane
• Layer over thermals
• Work with leggings, trousers, or skirts

Styling tip:
Size up slightly for that slouchy, post-ski ease, then balance with tighter bottoms, like faux leather leggings. I love this fair isle cardigan that can be worn as a layer or on its own.

2. Tailored Knit Pants or Luxe Leggings

Après-ski doesn’t typically mean denim.

In fact, jeans are often the least comfortable option after a ski day. Instead, opt for elevated knit bottoms that feel like loungewear but read as polished. I personally love a faux leather legging and love this pair of leggings from Spanx.

Best options:

• Knit pants (Aritzia has the best ones! I have 3 pairs of the Souvenir Pant)
• Ponte trousers
• High-quality fleece-lined leggings

Why they travel well:

• Lightweight
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Comfortable after long days
• Easy to dress up with boots and layers

Travel hack:
Choose darker neutrals so you can rewear them without feeling repetitive.

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3. The Statement Mid-Layer

This is where personality comes in!

A great mid-layer, think half-zip, fitted fleece, or lightweight sweater, adds interest without bulk.

Ideal features:

• Zip or snap neck (easy temperature control)
• Structured fit
• Neutral or muted color palette

Why it matters:

This piece often becomes:

• Your indoor après-ski layer
• Your dinner base
• Your travel-day outfit hero

Pro tip:
A structured half-zip reads more intentional than a hoodie, especially in European ski towns! Remember, a classy après ski look is all about fabrics! This cashmere sweater from Quince is an affordable, but classy piece that has traveled well for me on ski trips!

4. The “Indoor-Outdoor” Boot

Your après-ski footwear needs to do more than look cute!

You’ll be walking on:

• Snow
• Ice
• Cobblestones
• Heated indoor floors

Best styles:

• Shearling-lined ankle boots
• Sleek snow boots with a low profile
• Lug-sole boots with grip

Avoid:

• Thin soles
• Stiletto heels
• Shoes that require perfect conditions

Packing tip:
Wear your bulkiest/heaviest boots in transit to save suitcase space!

5. The Layering Coat (Not Your Ski Jacket)

While ski jackets are great on the mountain, they often feel too technical for après-ski.

Instead, bring one elevated outer layer specifically for venturing in town.

Great options:

• Wool coat with room for layers
• Quilted jacket with structure
• Lightweight puffer with a tailored cut

This is the coat you’ll:

• Wear to dinner
• Travel in
• Photograph beautifully in

If you have the room, I love a fur coat, but this blog post is all about maximizing space in your suitcase, so I left that out from my recommended options.

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Travel-Ready Après-Ski Outfit Formulas

Instead of packing individual outfits, pack formulas you can repeat.

Après Ski Outfit Formula #1: Cozy Chalet Chic

Perfect for: Fireside drinks, relaxed dinners, casual evenings

• Fine-gauge knit sweater
• Knit pants or faux leather leggings
• Shearling-lined ankle boots
• Wool coat or quilted jacket

Why it works:

• Easy to rewear in different combinations
• Comfortable after skiing
• Polished without effort

Après Ski Outfit Formula #2: Alpine Town Classic

Perfect for: Walking villages, boutique shopping, early dinners

• Structured half-zip or sweater
• Tailored trousers or ponte pants
• Leather boots
• Statement scarf- I have been loving the triangle scarf look!
• Faux fur headband or beanie with a fur pom pom (I have this hat in two colors!)

This look feels especially at home in European ski destinations.

Après Ski Outfit Formula #3: Elevated Lounge (That Leaves the Hotel)

Perfect for: Hotel bars, spa days, travel days

• Matching knit set
• Sleek sneakers or boots
• Minimal jewelry
• Tailored coat

Matching sets are my favorite travel secret weapon one decision, multiple uses. You can wear together and then mix and match the pieces with other clothing items for multiple different outfit combinations.

Après Ski Outfit Formula #4: Dinner-Ready Après

Perfect for: Reservations, resort dining rooms, wine bars

• Cashmere or merino knit
• Midi skirt or tailored pants
• Heeled boots or refined flats
• Structured coat

Comfortable, chic, and never overdone, aka a classic look!

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Color Palettes That Photograph Beautifully in Snow

Après-ski style lives forever in photos and color matters more than you think if you are trying to achieve that Pinterest-worthy après ski look.

Best palettes for ski destinations:

• Cream + camel
• Chocolate + ivory
• Grey + soft black
• Taupe + muted blush

These tones:

• Contrast beautifully against snow
• Feel timeless, not trendy
• Mix easily across outfits

Avoid overly bright neons or novelty prints because they date quickly! My neons from the late 2010s definitely look dated when I go back and look at the pictures, but oh well, I was having fun.

Accessories That Elevate Without Overpacking

Accessories are where you can add interest without sacrificing suitcase space.

Worth packing:

• One oversized scarf (doubles as a travel blanket)
• Leather gloves
• Simple gold jewelry
• A structured crossbody bag
  • Note: I know in 2025 shoulder bags are more popular, but for après ski outfits and the large jackets and multiple layers, I actually like to opt for a crossbody bag and have seen this be popular for ski trips as well.

Skip:

• Trend pieces that don’t layer
• Multiple novelty hats
• Delicate bags with no closure

Common Après-Ski Packing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even seasoned travelers make après-ski packing mistakes, mostly because ski trips feel deceptively short. A few days in the mountains sounds simple, until you factor in weather, footwear, layers, and limited luggage space!

These are the mistakes I see most often, and the small shifts that make a big difference when trying to pack après ski outfits that travel well for your next ski trip.

Mistake #1: Packing “Outfits” Instead of Versatile Pieces

One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing for après-ski is planning complete outfits in advance. While this might feel organized, it often leads to overpacking and very little flexibility once you arrive.

When you pack full outfits, each piece is locked into a single look. If plans change, the weather shifts, or you simply don’t feel like wearing what you imagined, you’re stuck with clothes that don’t easily mix and match.

The fix:
Pack with a capsule wardrobe mindset! Choose pieces that work with at least two or three others in your bag. When everything coordinates, you can create multiple looks with fewer items, which is essential for ski travel.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Footwear Reality

Après-ski footwear is often chosen for aesthetics rather than practicality. Boots might look perfect in photos but fail the moment you step onto icy streets, snowy sidewalks, or wet lodge floors.

Ski towns are rarely pristine. You’ll likely encounter slush, ice, uneven pavement, and long walks between restaurants and accommodations, often after a full day of skiing.

Fix: Prioritize function first, style second. Look for boots with proper traction, insulation, and water resistance, then choose a silhouette that still feels elevated. And trust me, there are plenty of functional options out there that are also cute!

Mistake #3: Overdoing Trend Pieces

Après-ski fashion has become increasingly trend-driven, which makes it tempting to pack bold statement pieces that feel fun and current. The issue is that trend-heavy items often:

• Don’t layer well
• Don’t mix with other pieces
• Feel dated quickly

They can also feel costume-like once you’re actually in the destination, especially in classic European ski towns where style tends to be understated and refined.

Fix: Anchor your après-ski wardrobe in timeless silhouettes and neutral tones. Then, if you want to experiment, add one subtle trend element, like a texture, a color, or a modern cut. This approach keeps your outfits elevated and classy for your mountain après ski evening.

Mistake #4: Treating Après-Ski Style Like a Costume

Some après-ski trends lean heavily into novelty, aka loud prints, exaggerated silhouettes, overly themed pieces. These can feel fun in theory, but often look dated quickly and rarely mix well with other items.

The fix:
Ground your looks in timeless pieces and let the setting do the talking. Neutral tones, classic pieces, and subtle texture feel far more elevated and chic, and won’t age poorly in photos when you look back on them (been there!).

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Temperature Transitions

Ski destinations aren’t cold everywhere. You move constantly between:

• Freezing outdoor temperatures
• Warm hotel lobbies
• Heated gondolas
• Cozy restaurants

Outfits that don’t adapt leave you either freezing or uncomfortably warm.

The fix:
Layer intentionally. Choose pieces you can easily remove, like zip-neck knits, lightweight sweaters, scarves instead of heavy collars. This flexibility is what separates travel-ready après-ski outfits from purely aesthetic ones.

Why This Edit, “Après Ski Outfits That Travel Well” Matters

Après-ski style isn’t about impressing anyone (ok, maybe a little!), it’s about feeling good after a full day on the mountain!

When your après ski outfits travel well:

• You pack less
• You stress less
• You feel more put together
• You enjoy the trip more

That’s the heart of The Ski Travel Edit, thoughtful curation over excess, and style that supports the experience instead of complicating it.

Final Thoughts: The Ski Travel Edit Philosophy

Ski trips already demand a lot from your luggage and your après-ski wardrobe should work with your trip, not against it!

I recommend that you choose pieces that:

• Pack easily
• Layer beautifully
• Feel comfortable after skiing
• Still feel special enough for the moments you’ll remember

These are the après ski outfits that travel well.

For more travel guides, view my blog page.